'American Idol' Recap: Loving And Hating The Top 40

This year, American Idol has given us a lot to love and a lot to hate.

Sometimes, that has been embodied by one person all at once. That person is, of course, Nicki Minaj. The simultaneously irritating and indispensible, she’s the only judge of any consequence this season and fits perfectly with a show filled with so much to love and hate.

Be it hating the guys’ Hollywood week or loving the girls’. Hating some changes while loving others. Wondering why Keith Urban and Mariah Carey are there. It’s been a season of disparate feelings that just need to come out on this special day.

So, in honor of Valentine’s Day, let’s go over whose chances I love and whose chances I hate. All in two sentences or less.

Love

Angela Miller

An also-ran until she went all original-song on us at the piano and blew the roof off the place last night. Suddenly looking like a contender.

Brandy Hotard

Southern Belle on her third run. With a last name that could become a new insult.

Breanna Steer

A standout from Kez Ban’s group. She’s got the voice to rock any genre.

Candice Glover

Big classic soul voice with a winning personality. She’s got the chops and the likability to make a run.

Janelle Arthur

The cute country girl making it deep in this competition has become as sure a thing as the cute guy with a guitar winning.

Kree Harrison

Another country girl. She’s not quite of the “cute” variety, but she’s got the chops to beat out Janelle.

Melinda Ademi

I thought she was a lock for the top 12 last year. Not gonna change my vote.

Rachel Hale

This year’s Kellie Pickler. And I swear that was a compliment.

Shubdha Vedula

She gets on the “love” list on her name alone.

Zoanette Johnson

Obamaaaaaaaa!

Chris Watson

I’m pretty sure this guy auditioned before during the Cowell/Abdul Era. Even if he didn’t, I’m going to give him props like he did.

Curtish Finch, Jr.

Likeable gospel singer is a poor man’s Joshua Ledet.

David Willis

I think he still exists in the 70s. And I like that.

The Turbinator

If he can replicate that ‘Georgia On My Mind’ performance, he’s going to be tough to keep out of the top 12.